And how! Men seem to want a woman who is like/not like their mother, acts like a virgin sex kitten saint, and can raise children or grandchildren but be free of obligations to run off on interesting adventures.

The contradictions, have a good job, but don’t let it interfere with their job, and so forth — seek balance.

Impossible, yes. But strive for it. Is it payback for a culture that sells these images? Maybe. The goal: strive for authenticity, trust a little, sense a lot, and proceed with caution.